The Promise of Cancer Research
Doctors all over the country are conducting many types of clinical trials (research studies in which people volunteer to take part). Doctors are studying new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose, and treat colorectal cancer.
Clinical trials are designed to answer important questions and to find out whether the new approach is safe and effective. Research already has led to advances in these areas, and researchers continue to search for more effective approaches.
People who join clinical trials may be among the first to benefit if a new approach is shown to be effective. And if participants do not benefit directly, they still make an important contribution to medicine by helping doctors learn more about the disease and how to control it. Although clinical trials may pose some risks, researchers do all they can to protect their patients.
People who are interested in being part of a clinical trial should talk with their doctor. They may want to read the NCI booklets Taking Part in Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need To Know or Taking Part in Clinical Trials: Cancer Prevention Studies. The NCI also offers an easy-to-read brochure called If You Have Cancer...What You Should Know About Clinical Trials. These NCI publications describe how clinical trials are carried out and explain their possible benefits and risks.
NCI's Web site includes a section on clinical trials at http://cancer.gov/clinicaltrials with general information about clinical trials as well as detailed information about specific ongoing studies of colorectal cancer. The Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER or at LiveHelp at http://cancer.gov can answer questions and provide information about clinical trials.
Research on Prevention
Recent studies suggest that certain drugs may help prevent colorectal cancer. Researchers are studying aspirin, celecoxib, and other drugs in people with a higher-than-average chance of developing this disease.
Research on Screening and Diagnosis
Researchers are testing new ways to check for polyps and colorectal cancer. One study is looking at the usefulness of virtual colonoscopy. This is a CT scan of the colon. Another study is using genetic testing to check stool samples for colorectal cancer cells.
Research on Treatment
Researchers are studying chemotherapy, biological therapy, and combinations of treatments:
- Chemotherapy: Researchers are testing new anticancer drugs and drug combinations. They also are studying combinations of drugs and radiation therapy before and after surgery.
- Biological therapy: New biological approaches also are under study. Biological therapy uses the body's natural ability (immune system) to fight cancer. For example, researchers are studying treatment with monoclonal antibodies after surgery or with chemotherapy. A monoclonal antibody is a substance made in the laboratory that can bind to cancer cells. It can help kill cancer cells.
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse Resources
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse is a service of the Federal Government's National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. This Clearinghouse can supply free information about colon polyps and other noncancerous digestive tract problems.
The Web site address for the Clearinghouse is http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov. Materials also may be obtained by writing or calling the Clearinghouse:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Tel: 1-800-891-5389 (toll-free) and 301-654-3810
National Cancer Institute Booklets
National Cancer Institute (NCI) publications can be ordered by writing to the address below:
Publications Ordering ServiceNational Cancer Institute
Suite 3035A
6116 Executive Boulevard, MSC 8322
Bethesda, MD 20892-8322
Some NCI publications can be viewed, downloaded, and ordered from https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/ncipubs/ on the Internet. In addition, people in the United States and its territories may order these and other NCI booklets by calling the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.
See the complete index of What You Need To Know About™ Cancer publications.
